U.S. President: Oklahoma (2008)

Recent Analysis

Sep 2, 2010

GOP Likely To Reclaim Governor's Seat

Incumbent Brad Henry (D), first elected in 2002, is term limited. Oklahoma is a culturally conservative state, and yet it still, now and then, elects Democrats to the governorship. One of the reasons why Henry was elected in 2002 is that his Christian conservative opponent made a series of gaffes that led to a third-party candidate. With the opposition split, Henry squeaked in with 43 percent of the vote. Now, with him leaving, Republicans are likely to reclaim the office. Rep. Mary Fallin (R) is a former lieutenant governor whose conservative politics fit in with the mood of the electorate. Her successor as LG is her opponent in November: Jari Askins, who barely won her party's nomination. -Ken Rudin

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Explore how NPR's Ken Rudin and other influential political watchers are calling key House, Senate and governor races.